Solo Adventure in Þórsmörk: Exploring Iceland's Wilderness

A Day of Contrasts

Today was a day of stark contrasts, a true testament to Iceland's incredible diversity. From the icy expanse of a glacier to the dramatic cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, every moment was a reminder of nature's raw power and delicate beauty. I started my day with a hearty breakfast at Volcano Huts Húsadalur, fueling up for the adventures that lay ahead. The buffet was simple but satisfying. Homemade bread, eggs, and fresh fruit – exactly what I needed before heading out. Sipping my coffee, I glanced at the map, excitement bubbling for what the day held.


Discover tranquility and adventure at Volcano Huts Húsadalur, your gateway to Iceland's majestic landscapes and authentic local cuisine.

My first stop was Sólheimajökull, a glacier that extends from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull. The drive there was stunning, the landscape unfolding like a movie reel. Patches of green moss clung to the black volcanic rock, and distant waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides. As I got closer, the glacier loomed into view, a river of ice snaking its way down from the highlands. I met my guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, a small gravel area buzzing with fellow adventurers. After a quick safety briefing and gearing up with crampons and an ice axe, we set off towards the ice.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sólheimajökull, Iceland's stunning glacier, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The hike to the glacier's edge was surreal. We trudged across a landscape of black volcanic ash and sand, a stark contrast to the brilliant white and blue ice ahead. As we stepped onto the glacier, the crampons crunched into the ice, providing a reassuring grip. The world transformed into a wonderland of ice sculptures, deep crevasses, and glistening ridges. Our guide pointed out moulins, sinkholes formed by meltwater, and explained how the glacier is constantly changing. He even showed us layers of volcanic ash from past eruptions, a reminder of Iceland's fiery heart.

The beauty of Iceland lies in its contrasts – fire and ice, light and dark, stillness and storm.

The glacier hike was both exhilarating and humbling. It's a powerful experience to stand on something so ancient and immense, knowing that it's also fragile and constantly evolving. The views from the top were breathtaking – the South Coast stretching out towards the Atlantic Ocean, with the Dyrhólaey arch visible in the distance. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but no photograph could truly convey the scale and majesty of the landscape. I thought of Liam back in Canmore, wishing he was here to share this moment with me. He would have loved the challenge of the hike and the stunning views.

After a couple of hours on the ice, we made our way back down, my legs tired but my spirit invigorated. I felt a profound connection to nature, a sense of being part of something much larger than myself. Back at the parking lot, I shed my gear and thanked my guide, promising myself to return someday. The experience was a stark reminder of the impact of climate change, a call to action to protect these precious environments for future generations.

Next on the agenda was Reynisfjall, a tuff mountain rising near the village of Vík í Mýrdal. The drive from Sólheimajökull to Vík was short, but the scenery was captivating. Rolling green hills, dotted with sheep, gave way to dramatic cliffs and the iconic black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Vík itself is a charming little village, nestled beneath the cliffs, with colorful houses and a quaint church. I parked the car and walked towards Reynisfjara, the black sand beach that's consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world. The beach is framed by basalt columns, geometric rock formations that look like they were carved by giants.


Explore the stunning Reynisfjall peak in Iceland, where breathtaking views and unique geological formations await every visitor.

The waves at Reynisfjara are notorious for their power and unpredictability. Sneaker waves can appear out of nowhere, sweeping unsuspecting visitors out to sea. I kept a safe distance from the shoreline, admiring the raw energy of the ocean. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks, basalt pillars rising from the sea, added to the dramatic scene. Legend has it that these stacks are the petrified remains of trolls who were caught in the sunlight while trying to pull a ship to shore. I climbed up Reynisfjall, following a winding road that led to the top of the cliffs. The views from above were simply stunning. The black sand beach stretched out below, the white waves crashing against the shore, and the Reynisdrangar stacks standing defiant against the ocean.

Looking out over the landscape, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude. Iceland's beauty is both fierce and fragile, a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preserving it. I spent some time exploring the cliffs, taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. The wind was strong, whipping my hair across my face, but I didn't mind. It felt invigorating, a reminder of the wildness of this place. I also learned that Reynisfjall had old barracks that served as military barracks, offering shelter and strategic advantages.

Before heading to dinner, I stopped at Vík Market / Saga Wool, a delightful shop specializing in Icelandic wool products. I wanted to find a warm sweater to take back to Canmore, something that would remind me of this incredible journey. The shop was filled with cozy sweaters, scarves, and blankets, all made from high-quality Icelandic wool. I browsed through the selection, admiring the intricate patterns and the soft texture of the wool. I finally settled on a beautiful gray sweater with a traditional Icelandic design. It was the perfect souvenir, a reminder of the warmth and beauty of this country.


Explore the best of Icelandic outdoor fashion and equipment at Vík Market / Saga Wool, your one-stop shop in the heart of Vík.

For dinner, I decided to treat myself to a meal at the Black Beach Restaurant, located right on Reynisfjara beach. The restaurant is known for its stunning views and its focus on fresh, local ingredients. I arrived just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the black sand and the sea stacks. I ordered the Arctic char, a local fish, and a glass of Icelandic white wine. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the wine was crisp and refreshing. As I ate, I watched the waves crashing against the shore, the sky ablaze with color. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with stunning ocean views at Black Beach Restaurant near Reynisfjara beach.

Tomorrow, I'll be venturing back towards Þórsmörk, seeking out the hidden waterfalls of Fremri-Fellsfoss and exploring the serene Þrastaskógur forest. I'm also planning a stop at the Skogafoss Bistro Bar for a well-deserved evening drink. Each day here seems to bring a new adventure, a new perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of Iceland. It is truly a magical place, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience it.

Back at Volcano Huts, I'm reflecting on the incredible contrasts of today – the biting cold of the glacier, the wild beauty of the black sand beach, the cozy warmth of the wool shop, and the delicious flavors of the local cuisine. Iceland is a land of extremes, a place where fire and ice coexist in breathtaking harmony. And I'm so thankful to be here, experiencing it all, one day at a time.